Frailty (2001)

"Sometimes truth defies reason."

That dude from 'Titanic' is one crazy motherfucker...

A man confesses to an FBI agent his family's story of how his religious fanatic father's visions lead to a series of murders to destroy supposed "demons."

Scrolling through Netflix after a busy weekend I stumbled upon 'Frailty', a film that was on my list of films to watch but had been lost in the scenery. It was a quiet Sunday so it seemed the perfect opportunity to sit down and watch something new. 

Actor Bill Paxton makes his directorial debut with this unusual and complex film about religion, family and murder.

The film kicks off with Matthew McConaughey confessing to an FBI agent that he believes his brother is a wanted serial killer. Obviously, at first, the FBI agent is sceptical but, after hearing McConaughey's story, he is more inclined to believe him. 

There is a lot of atmosphere that hooks you into this film early on, there's movie rain falling hard outside, McConaughey is monologuing and there's quiet talk of murder. You instantly get on board with the characters and you are transported back in time to the early 70's where the main story takes place.

It actually felt similar in tone and style to 'True Detective', which McConaughey also stars in, it's moody and atmospheric and isn't in a rush to get to where it needs to go. 

It centres around two young brothers who, in the middle of the night, are disturbed by their father, played by Bill Paxton, who claims that God has spoken to him and told him that they have to rid the world of demons. He is sent weapons from god and a list of those who have to die.

What 'Frailty' does extremely well is that it allows you the space to decide for yourself what is going on. It balances the both the possibility that their father has been visited by an angel and the idea that he's simply out of his mind. Bill Paxton plays the part perfectly, he's calculated and calm about the whole scenario and genuinely makes you believe that he's spoken with God. He doesn't look or sound insane, quite the opposite. He's the authoritative figure in the home of the two boys and, not having a mother present, he is in total control.

It no uncertain terms, it explores some pretty wide yet relatable themes and ideas such as religion and nature vs nurture. It's all mirrored in the two young brothers who are subjected to the insanity that follows their fathers divine visions.

There's a lot of tension and an uneasy sense of dread that builds up as things begin to spiral out of control for the two young boys. The young actors do a pretty solid job, they are believable and have some really tough scenes to act. Alongside Bill Paxton, the three as a family unit are realistic which makes it all the more tense when those ties.

Underneath the human themes there's another level, if you want to dig deep enough, that throws what you've seen into question. There are a few plot twists and turns that will keep you interested and it's hard to tell exactly where it's going. The ending throws up a lot more questions than it answers and leaves you on an eerie and ambiguous note, which some will either love or hate. 

This ambiguity is present all the way through the film and is part of what makes it so intriguing. I'd love to watch it again with the knowledge that you gain the first time round. 

Overall, 'Frailty' is a surprisingly interesting and complex film with a lot of hard concepts to think about but, not only that, it's also an entertaining thriller that stays with you after you've seen it.

McConaughey McConaughoo again proves that he's one of the best in the business and Bill Paxton proves that he can be an axe-wielding religious fanatic and direct a movie at the same time. 

Good job.